X-Ray: Purpose, Procedure, and Risks

An X-ray is an imaging study that takes pictures of bones and soft tissues. The images help healthcare providers diagnose a wide range of conditions and plan treatments. Read on to learn more about X-Ray and why it is done.

What is an X-ray?

X-rays are a type of electromagnetic radiation used in medical imaging to diagnose and monitor various conditions. It is an imaging test done to view insides of your body without having to make an incision.

There are different types of X-rays used for various purposes. For instance, mammogram is conducted to examine your breasts.

Why is an X-ray performed?

An X-Ray procedure can help doctors diagnose conditions such as broken bones, dislocated joints, arthritis, cancer, tooth decay etc. You may be asked to undergo an X-Ray to

• examine an area where you’re experiencing pain or discomfort

• Monitor the progression of treatment of a diagnosed disease, such as osteoporosis

• Check how well a prescribed treatment is working

• Look for foreign objects in your body

How should you prepare for an X-ray?

In most cases, x-rays don’t require any prior special preparations. All you need to do is dress in loose comfortable clothes with easy-to-remove footwear. The doctor may ask you to remove eyeglasses, jewellery, or any metal objects or clothing that could get in way of the image. If you have any metal implant in your body, you need to inform the doctor or technician about it before the procedure begins.

At times, you will be asked to take a contrast dye, which is a coloured substance, before the X-Ray. This is a substance that will help improve the quality of the images. It may contain iodine or barium compounds. Depending on the reason for the x-ray, the contrast dye may be administered in different ways such as via a liquid, via injection, or given to you as an enema.

Follow your doctor’s instructions and be calm. You won’t feel anything during an X-ray, but it can be hard to hold still, and the exam table might be uncomfortable.

How is the procedure performed?

X-rays are usually done in hospitals, dental clinics or diagnostic centres where the service is offered as a speciality. Depending on the area of body being examined, X-ray can be taken in a lying down or standing position. You may have to face a special plate, lie down on it, or have it positioned on the affected part of your body. he technician may take images from a few different angles. They might use pillows or sandbags to prop up a body part to get a better view of the area. They’ll probably ask you to hold your breath so the image doesn’t blur. This will help the radiologist to get a proper image and make the correct diagnosis.

The machine makes clicks and buzzing sounds during the X-ray. The process could take just a few minutes for a bone X-ray or more than an hour for more complicated issues.

What are the potential side effects of an X-Ray?

Largely speaking, the X-Ray risks are very low. Even though x-rays use small amounts of radiation to create images of your body, the level of this radiation exposure is considered safe for most adults. But in case you are pregnant or you believe you could be then inform your doctor before you have an x-ray as it is not safe for a developing baby. In such scenarios, the doctor may suggest a different imaging method such as an MRI.

If you’re undergoing an x-ray to diagnose a painful condition such as a broken bone, then you may experience pain or discomfort during the test.

If you have ingested a contrast material before your x-ray, you may experience following side-effects such as itching, nausea, hives, lightheadedness, or a metallic taste in your mouth. In very rare cases, the dye can cause a severe reaction like anaphylactic shock or cardiac arrest.

What happens after an X-ray?

After the X-Ray is done, you can change back into your own clothes. Basis your condition, the doctor may advise you to either go back to your normal activities or rest till your results come in. The x-ray results may be available on the same day of the procedure or later, depending on type of x-ray done. Your doctor will review your X-rays and the report from the radiologist to determine how to proceed.